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“What really made this certificate great was the flexibility of online learning. I was able to make it happen with my work schedule, and for me it was just the right amount of time, commitment, and challenge.”- Smit Patel, SCS learner
Smit Patel’s focus on supply chain management began with an unexpected twist in his career journey. After earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering in India, Smit came to Canada and began working on a diploma to become an auto power technician. “While I was earning my diploma-still focused on engineering- I was working part time at a juice company, managing their shipping and receiving,” explains Smit. “It came quite naturally to me, and I was promoted to a manager position, overseeing the logistical side of the business. This is where the supply chain seed was planted in my mind. I wanted to learn more about the theoretical side of supply chain management and grow my skills, so I came to the School of Continuing Studies (SCS).”
Smit began pursuing a Operations & Supply Chain Management Certificate, and appreciated the opportunity to learn from instructors with real-world supply chain expertise. “My instructors- Ammar Ahtisham, Ash Gude, and Anil Mislankar-were experts with deep industry experience, which made my learning very relevant and applicable. All my classmates were there with a motivated and curious mindset, just like me,” he recalls. “What really made this certificate great was the flexibility of online learning. I was able to make it happen with my work schedule, and for me it was just the right amount of time, commitment, and challenge.”
After earning his certificate in June 2022, Smit began interviewing for a new role. “My instructor Anil really helped me prepare for an interview, and I landed the role. I’m now leading supply chain management at a new company, and using the skills I learned at SCS daily,” he says. “At first, I was a bit nervous about managing work and study, but within the first week I knew I would be ok. I had the freedom to do things at my own pace, and learning fit well into my life, not the other way around. Next, I want to study Lean Six Sigma at SCS, and earn a green and black belt. I think that continuing education can mean different things to different people; to me, the ability to upskill while still working was a powerful choice, and the benefits have been very clear from day one.”